Key West International Airport

Overview

Key West International Airport (EYW) is a small but vital transportation hub located on the island of Key West, Florida. As the southernmost airport in the continental United States, it serves as the primary gateway for travellers visiting the Florida Keys, a chain of tropical islands stretching southwest from the mainland. Despite its “international” designation, the airport primarily handles domestic flights from major U.S. cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, and Charlotte, along with seasonal services from additional hubs. The airport’s compact size offers a straightforward and efficient travel experience, with a single terminal that combines arrivals and departures. It caters overwhelmingly to leisure travellers, given Key West’s renown as a vacation destination. The airport is owned and operated by Monroe County and plays an essential role in connecting the island to the mainland, especially for residents and tourists alike.

Location & Access

Key West International Airport is situated on the southern side of the island, about two miles east of the historic Old Town and Duval Street. The address is 3491 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040. The airport is easily accessible via U.S. Route 1, which runs the length of the Florida Keys from the mainland down to Key West. Because the island is relatively small, most hotels, resorts, and attractions are within a 10- to 15-minute drive from the terminal. For those staying in the heart of Old Town, a taxi or rideshare service typically takes under 10 minutes. Bicycle and scooter rentals are also popular ways to get around the island, and some visitors choose to walk if they are staying nearby, though the airport is not within convenient walking distance of the main tourist area due to the lack of pedestrian infrastructure along South Roosevelt Boulevard. Car rental companies operate from the airport, with counters inside the terminal and vehicles parked in an adjacent lot. Public transportation options are limited; the Lower Keys Shuttle (a county bus service) provides infrequent service along the island, but schedules should be checked in advance. The most common ways to reach the airport are by taxi, rideshare, rental car, or hotel shuttle.

Facilities

Though small, Key West International Airport provides essential amenities to ensure a comfortable pre-flight experience. Confirmed facilities include:

• Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected while waiting for their flights.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The airport is fully accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilets. Passengers requiring assistance can request it from their airline in advance.
• Toilets: Restrooms are located within the terminal and include changing tables, making the airport family-friendly.
• Parking: The airport offers several parking options. There is a free parking lot, a paid multi-storey car park, and additional paid parking lots. The free lot is limited and often fills quickly, especially during peak travel periods. The paid parking garage provides covered spaces closer to the terminal.
• On-site Services: The terminal houses a small selection of shops and eateries, including a café and a souvenir shop. Note that options are limited compared to larger airports, so travellers may want to bring snacks or plan to eat before arriving.
• Other Amenities: The airport provides basic seating areas, flight information displays, and a small baggage claim area. There is no airport lounge, but the compact size means walking distances are short.

Peak hours at Key West International Airport fall around midday, particularly between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, when several flights depart for mainland hubs. Passengers travelling during this window should allow extra time for check-in and security screening.

About the Region

Key West is the southernmost city in the contiguous United States, located just 90 miles north of Cuba. The island is famous for its vibrant coral reefs, historic architecture, and laid-back atmosphere. It is a popular destination for snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, and boating, as well as for its lively bar scene, art galleries, and cultural festivals such as Fantasy Fest. The Florida Keys themselves are a unique chain of islands connected by the Overseas Highway, offering stunning ocean views and a subtropical climate. Travellers to Key West often come to experience the island’s distinctive blend of Caribbean and American influences, as well as landmarks like the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the Southernmost Point buoy, and Mallory Square’s sunset celebration. Because the airport is small and flight schedules are limited, it is advisable to book flights well in advance, especially during peak season (December to April) and major holidays.

Practical Information

• Website: www.eyw.com
• Phone: +1 305-809-5200
• Operating Hours: The airport is open daily, but hours vary depending on flight schedules. The terminal typically opens two hours before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. It is not open 24 hours; passengers should not plan to stay overnight in the terminal. Check the website or contact the airport for current hours on specific days.
• Parking: Free and paid parking are available. The free lot is first-come, first-served. The paid multi-storey car park offers hourly and daily rates. Payment is accepted via credit card or cash at automated machines.
• Transportation: Taxis and rideshares are readily available outside the baggage claim area. Rental car counters are inside the terminal. The Lower Keys Shuttle bus stops at the airport but runs infrequently.
• Security: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates a standard security checkpoint. Because the airport is small, wait times are generally short, but they can increase during peak hours. Travelers should arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights.
• International Travel: Although the airport is called international, it does not have customs facilities for arriving international flights. Most international traffic is handled through other Florida airports. Departures to international destinations are rare; passengers connecting internationally will clear customs at their next port of entry.

Key West International Airport offers a convenient and low-stress travel experience, perfectly suited to the relaxed character of its island home. Its modest size means everything is within easy reach, allowing visitors to transition smoothly from plane to paradise.